WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |Jindal formally rejects passenger rail service

Jindal formally rejects passenger rail service

By David Spunt - email

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Governor Bobby Jindal is expected to miss a chance at $300 million for the state. The money would have gone toward a new railroad connection between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The entire route would run from Houston to Atlanta.

Governor Jindal says the project isn't feasible because of the yearly operating costs.  Friday is the deadline for states to submit applications for the high-speed railroad part of the federal stimulus money.

Local figures show the railroad would cost between $12 and $18 million a year to operate. The governor's office argues the state is not in the right financial shape to spend that kind of money. Downtown Development District Executive Director Davis Rhorer says it is a shame, because it's something that could make traveling easier.

"You don't have to worry about driving a car, you have a way to do work while you're headed to your destination," he said.

"Unlike Washington, D.C., the state can't just print more money, and it would be irresponsible to agree to new spending for a program we cannot afford that could cause even more cuts to higher education, health care, and other state priorities," said the Governor Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Waguespack.

Several parishes say they would help fund the operating costs. A handful sent letters to the Transportation Secretary William Ankner, pleading their case. On Friday, Republican Congressman Joseph Cao said the governor should enter the pool, just to secure a place for the state's future.

"With greater income, we will be able to do other projects such as other areas of economic development," he said.

Several legislators say they plan to bring up the proposal during the legislative session next spring.

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